Friday October 21 Ag News Recap - Cattle on Feed + More....

NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 5 PERCENT

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.16 million cattle on feed on October 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 5 percent from last year. Placements during September totaled 470,000 head, down 8 percent from 2015. Fed cattle marketings for the month of September totaled 405,000 head, down 6 percent from last year. Other disappearance during September totaled 5,000 head, down 5,000 head from last year.



IOWA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 5 PERCENT

 Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 570,000 head on October 1, 2016, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was down 2 percent from September 1, 2016, and down 5 percent from October 1, 2015. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 470,000 head on feed, down 5 percent from last month and down 8 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,040,000 head, down 3 percent from last month and down 6 percent from last year.

Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during September totaled 79,000 head, an increase of 11 percent from last month but down 7 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 70,000 head, up 94 percent from last month and up 19 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 149,000 head, up 39 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year.

Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during September totaled 87,000 head, down 3 percent from last month and down 14 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 93,000 head, up 45 percent from last month and up 50 percent from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 180,000 head, up 17 percent from last month and up 10 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 4,000 head.



United States Cattle on Feed Up Slightly
   
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.3 million head on October 1, 2016. The inventory was slightly above October 1, 2015. The inventory included 6.83 million steers and steer calves, down 2 percent from the previous year. This group accounted for 67 percent of the total inventory. Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 3.44 million head, up 4 percent from 2015.

On Feed by State  (1,000 hd - % of Oct 1 '15)
Colorado .......:             860             104   
Iowa .............:              570              95        
Kansas ..........:             2,220          110       
Nebraska ......:             2,160           95     
Texas ............:             2,450           98     

Placements in feedlots during September totaled 1.91 million head, 2 percent below 2015. Placements were the lowest for September since the series began in 1996. Net placements were 1.86 million head. During September, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 345,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 300,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 455,000 head, and 800 pounds and greater were 805,000 head.

Placements by State  (1,000 hd - % of Sept '15)
Colorado .......:                     235           112   
Iowa .............:                      79              93  
Kansas ..........:                     420           105      
Nebraska ......:                     470            92        
Texas ............:                    385             90          

Marketings of fed cattle during September totaled 1.73 million head, 5 percent above 2015. Other disappearance totaled 42,000 head during September, 26 percent below 2015.

Marketings by State   (1,000 hd - % of Sept '15)
Colorado .......:                     170           110    
Iowa .............:                      87             86       
Kansas ..........:                    360            113     
Nebraska ......:                    405             94  
Texas ............:                    415           114      



USDA Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on September 30, 2016 were up 7 percent from the previous month and up slightly from last year, accroding to USDA. Total red meat supplies were a record high for the month of September, since the data was first recorded in 1946. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 9 percent from the previous month and up  4 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef were a record high for the month of September, since the data was first recorded in 1932.  Frozen pork supplies were up 5 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 22 percent from last month but up
130 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on September 30, 2016 were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 2 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 4 percent from last month but up 14 percent from September 30, 2015.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on September 30, 2016 were down slightly from the previous month but up 7 percent from September  30, 2015.  Butter stocks were down 16 percent from last month but up 44 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were up 4 percent from last month and up 14 percent from a year ago. Total frozen fruit stocks were a record high for the month of September, since the data was first recorded in 1923.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 9 percent from last month and up 2 percent from a year ago.



NEBRASKA CHICKEN AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during September 2016 totaled 9.18 million, up from 5.72 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Nebraska egg production during September totaled 227 million eggs, up from 142 million in 2015. September egg production per 100 layers was 2,469 eggs, compared to 2,476 eggs in 2015.



IOWA EGG PRODUCTION SLIPS 2 PERCENT ON THE MONTH

 Iowa egg production during September 2016 was 1.26 billion eggs, down 2 percent from last month, but up 71 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The average number of all layers on hand during September 2016 was 53.2 million, up 1 percent from last month, and up 56 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for September were 2,367, down 4 percent from last month, but up 10 percent from last year.



September Egg Production Up 10 Percent

United States egg production totaled 8.30 billion during September 2016, up 10 percent from last year. Production included 7.21 billion table eggs, and 1.09 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.01 billion were broiler-type and 85.7 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during September 2016 averaged 361 million, up 7 percent from last year. September egg production per 100 layers was 2,302 eggs, up 2 percent from September 2015.
                                   
All layers in the United States on October 1, 2016 totaled 361 million, up 7 percent from last year. The 361 million layers consisted of 304 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 53.5 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.48 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on October 1, 2016, averaged 76.8 eggs per 100 layers, up 3 percent from October 1, 2015.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Down 10 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during September 2016 totaled 44.3 million, down 10 percent from September 2015. Eggs in incubators totaled 40.7 million on October 1, 2016, down 18 percent from a year ago.

Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 181 thousand during September 2016, down 18 percent from September 2015.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 1 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during September 2016 totaled 771 million, up 1 percent from September 2015. Eggs in incubators totaled 628 million on October 1, 2016, up 3 percent from a year ago.

Leading breeders placed 7.04 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during September 2016, down 18 percent from September 2015.



Nebraska Cattlemen Interim Policy Passed on Fed Cattle Trade

Nebraska Cattlemen's Board of Directors announces the adoption of interim policy concerning severe marketing issues and concerning trends in the nation's negotiated fed cattle trade.

NC leadership and staff have been focused on this issue for over 12 months. Today's interim policy is the product of much thought and research on how the price discovery process has contributed to an increase in volatility in the cash fed cattle and CME Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures markets.

Fed cattle prices are feeling the pressure of negative market variables, which have created historic losses for the cattle feeding sector. Recent data from USDA shows the near-record to historically wide spreads between cash fed cattle values and boxed beef and retail prices. This indicates windfall cumulative margins beyond the production sectors of the beef industry.

NC is concerned if cash negotiated sales continue to decrease, it will lead to liquidation in the nation's beef cow herd, continued downsizing of infrastructure, and ultimately a reduction in the availability of quality beef products for consumers in the United States and abroad.

"We will not tell people how to sell their cattle. Any producer can choose their preferred method of marketing. However, the benefit of cash negotiated sales encourages more competition and reduces market and price volatility. This benefits all sectors of the livestock industry," said Barb Cooksley, Nebraska Cattlemen President.

NC will hold a series of meetings throughout the state to educate and gain valuable input from all members. This discussion will culminate at the annual convention in Kearney December 6 - 9, 2016.

The full interim policy is as follows:
 WHEREAS, the current state of the nation's negotiated fed cattle trade has diminished to the point it is considered to be the leading factor resulting in an increase in price volatility, and

WHEREAS, the lack of cattle sold on a negotiated cash basis has led to reduced competition resulting in unprecedented market volatility and losses,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED NC strongly encourages sellers of fed cattle to be more active participants in creating a more vibrant cash-negotiated market.


COOL-SEASON GRASSES INVADING WARM-SEASON PASTURES
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Native, warm-season grass pastures often get overtaken by cool-season grasses like cheatgrass, downy brome, and smooth bromegrass. What can you do to minimize this problem?

               When cheatgrass, bromes, and other cool-season plants invade warm-season grass pastures and rangeland, they shift good grazing away from summer.

               Cool-season grasses take over summer pastures relatively easily because they develop rapidly during fall and spring when native grass provides little competition.  Then they use moisture and nutrients during spring before warm-season plants have a chance to use them.

               Heavy grazing this fall after warm-season plants go dormant after a hard freeze as well as grazing very early next spring will weaken and reduce competition from these winter annual weeds.  This can limit further invasion and slowly improve summer production.  A prescribed spring burn also can do wonders for a warm-season pasture if you have enough fuel to carry a fire and can conduct the burn safely and legally.

               An even faster approach is to apply glyphosate herbicides like Roundup after a couple hard freezes  in late fall.  Hard freezes turn warm-season plants dormant but the weedy cool-season grasses remain green.  Apply glyphosate when temperatures during the day are above 60 degrees and nighttime temperatures stay above 40 degrees for best results.  This will kill or weaken the green and susceptible cool-season weedy grasses but not affect dormant warm-season plants.  By reducing competition, warm-season plants will grow more vigorously next year and provide better summer pasture.

               Don’t settle for invaded native pasture.  Transform them back to vigorous warm-season grasses for better summer grazing.



2017 Nebraska Corn and Soy Collegiate Ambassador Program

The Corn & Soy Collegiate Ambassador Program is an opportunity for Nebraska college students to grow in their understanding of, and become better voices for, the agricultural industry. Students will learn about the issues affecting agriculture on a state and federal level as well as opportunities to be involved in the industry through the associations and industry cooperators. This program is led by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) and the Nebraska Soybean Association, with support from the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Soybean Board, and others. The goal of this program is to equip the students with the tools they need to become leaders in the industry and advocates for agriculture. Students should expect no more than one to two days away from school per semester. Class excuse letters will be provided if needed.

The program will run from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. During that time students will attend seminars where they will learn about various aspects of the agriculture industry, participate in a bus tour highlighting Nebraska agriculture, and have opportunities to promote Nebraska’s corn and soybean industries. Upon successful completion of the program students will receive a $500 scholarship towards their education expenses. Students will not be responsible for any expenses to participate in programs.

Applications – Interested students should complete the application, found at necga.org, and return it to the emails provided or mail to NeCGA by December 2, 2016. Applications will be reviewed, and notices sent before winter break.

Scholarship Requirements – to receive the $500 academic scholarship, students must complete all of the above requirements by November 17th, 2017.

Click here for an application form.... http://necga.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Corn-Soy-Ambassador-Program-App-2017-FILLABLE.pdf. 



Transformational Ag Systems Leader to Give Leu Lecture

Agricultural systems expert Paul Genho will visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to share insights into the beef and agricultural industries as well as lessons in leadership and entrepreneurship from his 50 years of experience in acquiring and managing agricultural properties worldwide.

Dr. Genho will provide the 2016 Leu Distinguished Lecture Oct. 31 from 3-4 p.m. at the UNL East Campus Union and an evening presentation and reception Nov. 1 from 7-9 p.m. at Hardin Hall. Both events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Details, including registration for the Nov. 1 event, are available at ruralfutures.nebraska.edu/genho.

This visit is made possible by UNL's Center for Grassland Studies and Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program in partnership with the Rural Futures Institute at the University of Nebraska.

"These presentations are important opportunities for university students, faculty and staff, as well as business and community leaders, to not only learn from a beef and agricultural expert who is known the world over, but to gain important lessons about what innovative entrepreneurship and leadership looks like in practice," said Chuck Schroeder, Founding Executive Director of the Rural Futures Institute (RFI). "Dr. Genho will inspire us to embrace and encourage change and find innovative solutions that are required to move our enterprises and rural communities forward."

Dr. Genho is a Visiting Professor at the University of Florida and independent consultant for various agricultural firms. Throughout his career he served as Chairman of the Board of AgReserves, Inc., vice president and general manager of King Ranch and manager of Deseret Ranches of Florida. He has held numerous leadership positions within the National Cattleman's Beef Association, scientific, agricultural and academic communities.

The Leu Lecture Series seminar entitled, "Fifty Years: Looking Back, Looking Forward," is made possible, in part, by a gift from the Frank and Margaret Leu family to the University of Nebraska Foundation. In his comments, Dr. Genho will present five big ideas affecting the beef industry in the future. The ideas were garnered from his five sons who are deeply involved in the beef supply chain from production through processing and merchandising. These ideas will provide a framework for moving the industry forward.

"We're delighted that donations such as that from the Leu family allow us to bring someone of Dr. Genho's stature to campus," said Martin Massengale, director of the Center for Grassland Studies.

During the Nov 1. presentation, "The Future of U.S. Agriculture in a Global Market," Dr. Genho will draw from his experience as a systems thinker, manager and leader, to provide perspective about the role of U.S. agriculture in a competitive and ever-changing global market. His experience in pulling together unified management systems that assure healthy landscapes, enterprises and people will frame the discussion.

"Dr. Genho's ability to connect the lessons of the past with anticipated future transformations in the beef business will make for an invigorating and thought-provoking discussion," said Tom Field, director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln.

The mission of the Center for Grassland Studies is to implement focused, interdisciplinary research, educational and service programs and activities that emphasize the role of grasslands as a natural resource and conservation measure and that enhance the efficiency, profitability, sustainability, and aesthetic value of grasslands, wetlands and turfs.

The Rural Futures Institute at the University of Nebraska leverages the talents and research-based expertise from across the system on behalf of rural communities in Nebraska, the U.S. and around the world. Through a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, the institute encourages bold and futuristic approaches to address critical rural issues. It works collaboratively with educational, business, community, non-profit, government and foundation partners to empower rural communities and their leaders. ruralfutures.nebraska.edu

The Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program is focused on helping transform the resources of our nation's strength in agriculture into the next big idea. An idea that will solve a problem. Open a new door. Fill a hungry stomach. Create a new product. Grow more food with fewer resources. The Engler Experience empowers enterprise builders. Our job is to provide the skills, inspiration and fortitude to make that happen.



USDA Announces Streamlined Guaranteed Loans, Additional Lender Category for Small-Scale Operators

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday announced the availability of a streamlined version of USDA guaranteed loans, which are tailored for smaller scale farms and urban producers. The program, called EZ Guarantee Loans, uses a simplified application process to help beginning, small, underserved and family farmers and ranchers apply for loans of up to $100,000 from USDA-approved lenders to purchase farmland or finance agricultural operations.

“Over the past seven years, we have been transforming our loan programs at USDA so that they can be attainable and useful to all kinds and sizes of producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These EZ Guarantee Loans will help beginning and underserved farmers obtain the capital they need to get their operations off the ground, and they can also be helpful to those who have been farming for some time but need extra help to expand or modernize their operations. USDA’s Farm Service Agency has offices in nearly every county in the country, and we encourage all farmers, including those in urban areas, to stop in and inquire about this program.”

USDA also unveiled a new category of lenders that will join traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, in offering USDA EZ Guarantee Loans. Microlenders, which include Community Development Financial Institutions and Rural Rehabilitation Corporations, will be able to offer their customers up to $50,000 of EZ Guaranteed Loans, helping to reach urban areas and underserved producers. Banks, credit unions and other traditional USDA-approved lenders, can offer customers up to $100,000 to help with agricultural operation costs.

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, 75 percent of all farm operations gross less than $50,000 per year. EZ Guarantee Loans offer low interest rates and terms up to seven years for financing operating expenses and 40 years for financing the purchase of farm real estate. USDA-approved lenders can issue these loans with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) guaranteeing the loan up to 95 percent.

USDA is providing a 90-day period for the public to review and comment on program improvements. To review program details, visit www.regulations.gov, reference RIN 0560-AI34 and follow the instructions to submit comments.

More than half of all FSA loans go to new farmers and more than a quarter to underserved borrowers. FSA also offers loans of up to $5,000 to young farmers and ranchers through the Youth Loan Program. Loans are made to eligible youth to finance agricultural projects, with almost 9,000 young people now participating. More information about the available types of FSA farm loans can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/farmloans or by contacting a local FSA office. To find the nearest office location, visit http://offices.usda.gov.